RPG-7

{{Short description|Soviet rocket-propelled grenade launcher}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}

{{Infobox weapon

| name = RPG-7

| image = RPG-7 detached.jpg

| image_size = 300

| caption = An RPG-7 launcher (top) with a Bulgarian PG-7G inert training warhead and booster (bottom)

| origin = Soviet Union

| type = Hand-held rocket launcher{{cite web|title=RPG-7/RPG-7V/RPG-7VR Rocket Propelled Grenade Launcher (Multi Purpose Weapon)|url=http://defense-update.com/products/r/rpg.htm|publisher=Defense Update|access-date=23 January 2011|year=2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608061551/http://www.defense-update.com/products/r/rpg.htm|archive-date=8 June 2011|url-status=dead}}

| is_ranged = yes

| service = 1961–present

| used_by = See Users

| wars = See Conflicts

| designer = Bazalt

| design_date = 1958

| manufacturer = Bazalt and Degtyarev plant (Russian Federation)

| unit_cost = c. US$350{{cite web|url=https://silahreport.com/2020/02/03/iraqi-gun-market-trends-early-january-sig-sauer-m17-handgun-nea-pdw-ccs/|title=Iraqi Gun Market Trends: Early January – SIG Sauer M17 Handgun, NEA PDW-CCS|date=3 February 2020|agency=silahreport}}

| production_date = 1958–present

| number = 9,000,000+{{cite book |title=Small Arms Survey |date=2004 |publisher=Graduate Institute of International Studies |page=8}}

| variants = {{Plain list|

  • RPG-7V2 (current model)
  • RPG-7D3 (paratrooper)
  • Type 69 RPG (China)
  • PSRL-1 (Airtronic USA){{Sfn|Rottman|2010|p=41}}

}}

| spec_label =

| weight = {{ubli|6.3 kg (13.9 lb) (without a telescopic sight)|7 kg (15.4 lb) (with PGO-7)}}

| length = {{convert|950|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

| part_length =

| width =

| height =

| cartridge = {{convert|85|mm|abbr=on}}

| caliber = {{convert|40|mm|abbr=on}}

| action =

| rate =

| velocity = {{ubli|{{convert|115|m/s|abbr=on}} (boost)|{{convert|300|m/s|abbr=on}} (flight)}}

| range = {{convert|330|m|abbr=on}} (PG-7V)

| max_range = {{convert|700|m|abbr=on}} (OG-7V)
(self detonates at c. {{convert|920|m|abbr=on}})

| feed =

| sights = {{ubli|PGO-7 (2.7×), UP-7V telescopic sight and 1PN51/1PN58 night vision sights|Red dot reflex sight}}

}}

The RPG-7{{efn|{{langx|ru|РПГ-7, Ручной Противотанковый Гранатомёт|Ruchnoy Protivotankovyy Granatomyot}}, {{lit|Hand-held Anti-Tank Grenade Launcher}}}} is a portable, reusable, unguided, shoulder-launched, anti-tank, rocket launcher. The RPG-7 and its predecessor, the RPG-2, were designed by the Soviet Union, and are now manufactured by the Russian company Bazalt. The weapon has the GRAU index (Russian armed forces index) 6G3.

The ruggedness, simplicity, low cost, and effectiveness of the RPG-7 has made it the most widely used anti-armor weapon in the world. Currently around 40 countries use the weapon; it is manufactured in several variants by nine countries. It is popular with irregular and guerrilla forces.

Widely produced, the most commonly seen major variations are the RPG-7D (десантник – desantnikparatrooper) model, which can be broken into two parts for easier carrying; and the lighter Chinese Type 69 RPG. DIO of Iran manufactures RPG-7s with olive green handguards, H&K style pistol grips, and a commando variant.

The RPG-7 was first delivered to the Soviet Army in 1961 and deployed at the squad level. It replaced the RPG-2, having clearly out-performed the intermediate RPG-4 design during testing. The current model produced by the Russian Federation is the RPG-7V2, capable of firing standard and dual high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds, high explosive/fragmentation, and thermobaric warheads, with a UP-7V sighting device fitted (used in tandem with the standard 2.7× PGO-7 optical sight) to allow the use of extended range ammunition. The RPG-7D3 is the equivalent paratrooper model. Both the RPG-7V2 and RPG-7D3 were adopted by the Russian Ground Forces in 2001.

Description

File:RPG-7V2 - ETIF-2010.jpg

The launcher is reloadable and based around a steel tube, {{convert|40|mm|abbr=on}} in diameter, {{convert|950|mm|abbr=on}} long, and weighing {{convert|7|kg|abbr=on}}. The middle of the tube is wood wrapped to protect the user from heat and the end is flared. Sighting is usually optical with a back-up iron sight, and passive infrared and night sights are also available. The launchers designated RPG-7N1 and RPG-7DN1 can thus mount the multi-purpose night vision scope 1PN51{{cite book|script-title=ru:ИЗДЕЛИЕ 1ПН51 ТЕХНИЧЕСКОЕ ОПИСАНИЕ И ИНСТРУКЦИЯ ПО ЭКСПЛУАТАЦИИ |trans-title=Product 1PN51 Technical Description and Operating Instructions|date= January 1992 |pages= 11, 16|language=ru}} and the launchers designated RPG-7N2 and RPG-7DN2 can mount the multi-purpose night vision scope 1PN58.{{cite book|script-title=ru:ИЗДЕЛИЕ 1ПН58 ТЕХНИЧЕСКОЕ ОПИСАНИЕ И ИНСТРУКЦИЯ ПО ЭКСПЛУАТАЦИИ |trans-title=Product 1PN58 Technical Description and Operating Instructions|date= February 1991 |pages= 5, 15|language=ru}}

As with similar weapons, the grenade protrudes from the launch tubes. It is {{convert|40-105|mm|abbr=on}} in diameter and weighs between {{convert|2|kg|abbr=on}}{{cite web|url=http://www.rusarm.ru/mmc/index.html|title=RosOboronExport|publisher=rusarm.ru|access-date=20 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020134707/http://www.rusarm.ru/mmc/index.html|archive-date=20 October 2013|url-status=live}} and {{convert|4.5|kg|abbr=on}}. It is launched by a gunpowder booster charge, giving it an initial speed of {{convert|115|m/s|abbr=on}}, and creating a cloud of light grey-blue smoke that can give away the position of the shooter.{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=B_GklIEyF0EC&q=black+hawk+down+%22rpg+7%22+modify|title=Infantry|first1=Infantry School|last1=(U.S.)|first2=United States Army Infantry|last2=School|first3=United States Army Infantry School Editorial and Pictorial|last3=Office|first4=United States Army Infantry School Book|last4=Dept|date=3 October 1998|publisher=U.S. Army Infantry School|via=Google Books}} The rocket motor{{efn|no rocket motors in OG-7V}} ignites after {{convert|10|m|ft|abbr=on}} and sustains flight out to {{convert|500|m|ft|abbr=on}} at a maximum velocity of {{convert|295|m/s|ft/s|abbr=on}}. The grenade is stabilized by two sets of fins that deploy in-flight: one large set on the stabilizer pipe to maintain direction and a smaller rear set to induce rotation. The grenade can fly up to {{convert|1100|m|ft|abbr=on}}; the fuze sets the maximum range, usually {{convert|920|m|ft|abbr=on}}.{{cite magazine|url=https://world.time.com/2012/10/25/mexicos-drug-lords-ramp-up-their-arsenals-with-rpgs/|title=Mexico's Drug Lords Ramp Up Their Arsenals with RPGs|first=Ioan|last=Grillo|magazine=Time|date=25 October 2012|via=world.time.com|access-date=6 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130406043759/http://world.time.com/2012/10/25/mexicos-drug-lords-ramp-up-their-arsenals-with-rpgs/|archive-date=6 April 2013|url-status=live}}

= Propulsion system =

File:ANA soldier with RPG-7 in 2013-cropped.jpg soldier firing an RPG-7, 2013]]

According to the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) Bulletin 3u (1977) Soviet RPG-7 Antitank Grenade Launcher—Capabilities and Countermeasures, the RPG-7 munition has two sections: a "booster" section and a "warhead and sustainer motor" section. These must be assembled into the ready-to-use grenade. The booster consists of a "small strip powder charge" that serves to propel the grenade out of the launcher; the sustainer motor then ignites and propels the grenade for the next few seconds, giving it a top speed of {{convert|294|m/s|abbr=on}}. The TRADOC bulletin provides anecdotal commentary that the RPG-7 has been fired from within buildings, which agrees with the two-stage design. It is stated that only a {{convert|2|m|ft|abbr=off}} standoff to a rear obstruction is needed for use inside rooms or fortifications. The fins not only provide drag stabilization, but are designed to impart a slow rotation to the grenade.{{citation needed|date=March 2023}}

Due to the configuration of the RPG-7 sustainer/warhead section, it responds counter-intuitively to crosswinds. A crosswind will tend to exert pressure on the stabilizing fins, causing the projectile to turn into the wind (see Weathervane effect). While the rocket motor is still burning, this will cause the flight path to curve into the wind. The TRADOC bulletin explains aiming difficulties for more distant moving targets in crosswinds at some length.

Variants

File:RPG-7V - Interpolitex-2009.jpg

File:RPG-7V2 - ETIF-2010.jpg

Based on the standard RPG-7, a lightweight airborne version with a detachable barrel was developed, along with a series of modifications differing in sighting systems:

; RPG-7 (GRAU index6G3)

: The first model adopted in 1961. Equipped with the PGO-7 optical sight.

; RPG-7V (GRAU index — 6G3)

: Already in the early 1960s, the RPG-7 was equipped with the PGO-7V sight with corrected aiming angles, and since then has been designated RPG-7V.{{cite book |title=Наставление по стрелковому делу. Ручной противотанковый гранатомёт (РПГ-7 и РПГ-7Д) |location=Moscow |publisher=Military Publishing House of the USSR Ministry of Defense |year=1967 |pages=1,29}}

; RPG-7D (GRAU index — 6G5)

: Airborne version with detachable barrel and bipod.{{cite web|url=http://www.militaryparitet.com/nomen/russia/arty/griogne/data/ic_nomenrussiaartygriogne/19/|title=Handheld anti-tank grenade launchers (RPG)|publisher=Military Paritet|access-date=2010-02-03|archive-date=2013-08-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130822105031/http://www.militaryparitet.com/nomen/russia/arty/griogne/data/ic_nomenrussiaartygriogne/19/}} Adopted in 1963.

; RPG-7N / RPG-7DN (GRAU index — 6G3 and 6G5)

: Modifications of RPG-7V and RPG-7D equipped with night sights PGN-1, NSPU, or NSPUM (GRAU index - 1PN58)

; RPG-7V1 (GRAU index — 6G3-1)

: 1988 modification with PGO-7V3 optical sight, calibrated for new PG-7VR and TBG-7V rounds, as well as all earlier rounds. A removable bipod was also added.{{cite book|author=A. Lovi, V. Korenkov, V. Bazilevich, V. Korablin |title=Domestic Anti-Tank Grenade Launcher Systems}}

; RPG-7D1 (GRAU index — 6G5M)

: 1988 modification of the airborne version with PGO-7V3 sight

; RPG-7V2 (GRAU index — 6G3-2)

: 2001 modification with the universal UP-7V sighting device

; RPG-7V2 "Gaya"

: Azerbaijani modification from 2012 with optical sight.

; RPG-7D2 (GRAU index — 6G5M2)

: 2001 airborne variant with UP-7V universal sighting device

; RPG-7D3 (GRAU index — 6G5M3)

: 2001 modification, airborne version of the RPG-7V2

; B41M

: A Vietnamese copy of the RPG-7. Its vented tube is divided into two threaded sections, designed to reinforce the launcher and allow it to fire more powerful warheads.

; Airtronic USA RPG-7

: U.S.-made clone of the RPG-7. As of 2013, it was reportedly in service with the special operations forces of Peru.

; Airtronic USA Mk.777

: U.S.-made lightweight version of the RPG-7, weighing only 3.5 kg. Service life of about 500–1000 rounds.{{cite web|lang=ru|url=https://modernfirearms.net/ru/granatomety/ssha-granatomety/airtronic-rpg-7/|title=Airtronic USA RPG-7 and Mk.777 anti-tank rocket launchers (USA)|access-date=2022-10-16|archive-date=2022-10-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001012035/https://modernfirearms.net/ru/granatomety/ssha-granatomety/airtronic-rpg-7/}}

Ammunition

File:RPG-7 ammo.jpg

[[File:PG-7V of RPG7 sect.svg|thumb|upright=1.3|Inside of an RPG's three sections.

I) The head contains

{{Ordered list|trigger|conductive cone|aerodynamic fairing|conical liner|body|explosive|conductor|detonator}}

II) The rocket motor consists of

{{Ordered list|start=9|nozzle block|nozzle|motor body|propellant|motor rear|ignition primer}}

III) The booster charge includes

{{Ordered list|start=15|fin|cartridge|charge|turbine|tracer|foam wad}}]]

The RPG-7 can fire a variety of warheads for anti-armor (HEAT, PG-Protivotankovaya Granata) or anti-personnel (HE, OG-Oskolochnaya Granata) purposes, usually fitting with an impact (PIBD) and a 4.5 second fuze. Armor penetration is warhead dependent and ranges from {{convert|300-600|mm|abbr=on}} of RHA; one warhead, the PG-7VR, is a 'tandem charge' device, used to defeat reactive armor with a single shot.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}} The Russian Ministry of Defense said in December 2023 that it has modified the RPG-7V grenade launcher in order to shoot 82-mm mines.{{cite web | title=ЦАМТО / / Минобороны представило кадры боевой работы гранатометчиков группировки войск "Восток" | website=ЦАМТО / Центр анализа мировой торговли оружием | date=2023-12-25 | url=https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2023/1225/094577188/detail.shtml | language=ru | ref={{sfnref | ЦАМТО / Центр анализа мировой торговли оружием | 2023}} | access-date=2023-12-26}}

Current production ammunition for the RPG-7V2 consists of four main types:

  • PG-7VL [c.1977] – improved {{convert|93|mm|abbr=on}} HEAT warhead effective against most vehicles and fortified targets.
  • PG-7VR [c.1988]{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}} – tandem charge warhead designed to penetrate up to {{convert|750|mm|abbr=on}} rolled homogeneous armour (RHA) equivalence of explosive reactive armor (ERA) and the conventional armor underneath, or penetrate up to 900mm RHA without ERA. It has a range of {{convert|200|m|abbr=on}}.{{cite web | url=http://roe.ru/eng/catalog/land-forces/strelkovoe-oruzhie/grenade-launchers/pg-7vr/ | title=Anti-tank Rocket PG-7VR | Catalog Rosoboronexport }}
  • TBG-7V Tanin [c.1988] – {{convert|105|mm|abbr=on}} thermobaric warhead for anti-personnel and urban warfare.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}
  • OG-7V [c.1999] – {{convert|40|mm|abbr=on}} fragmentation warhead for anti-personnel warfare. Has no sustainer motor.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}

Other warhead variants include:

  • PG-7V [c.1961] – baseline {{convert|85|mm|abbr=on}} HEAT warhead capable of penetrating {{convert|260|mm|abbr=on}} RHA.[http://modernfirearms.net/grenade/rus/rpg-7-e.html RPG-7 antitank grenade launcher (USSR / Russia)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116163518/http://modernfirearms.net/grenade/rus/rpg-7-e.html |date=16 January 2017 }} – Modernfirearms.net
  • PG-7VM [c.1969] – improved {{convert|70|mm|abbr=on}} HEAT warhead capable of penetrating {{convert|300|mm|abbr=on}} RHA.
  • PG-7VS [c.1972] – improved {{convert|73|mm|abbr=on}} HEAT warhead capable of penetrating {{convert|400|mm|abbr=on}} RHA.
  • PG-7VS1 [c.mid-1970s] – cheaper PG-7VS version capable of penetrating {{convert|360|mm|abbr=on}} RHA.
  • GSh-7VT [c.2013] – anti-bunker warhead with cylindrical follow-through blast-fragmentation munition followed by explosively formed penetrator.[http://www.janes.com/article/23880/fkp-gknipas-completes-development-of-anti-bunker-round-for-rpg-7v2-grenade-launcher FKP GkNIPAS completes development of anti-bunker round for RPG-7V2 grenade launcher] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922092147/http://www.janes.com/article/23880/fkp-gknipas-completes-development-of-anti-bunker-round-for-rpg-7v2-grenade-launcher |date=22 September 2013 }} – Janes.com, 30 June 2013
  • OGi-7MA [unknown] – anti-personnel fragmentation munition developed for the Bulgarian ATGL-L. improved equivalent to the Soviet OG-7V. Compatible with RPG-7.[https://mil.in.ua/en/news/bulgarian-ogi-7ma-rounds-were-delivered-to-bakhmut/ Bulgarian OGi-7MA rounds were delivered to Bakhmut] – mil.in.ua, 26 February 2023

= Specifications =

Manufacturer specifications for the RPG-7V1.{{cite web |url=http://www.rusarm.ru/ |title=Rosoboronexport |publisher=Rusarm.ru |access-date=20 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204195203/http://www.rusarm.ru/ |archive-date=4 February 2012 |url-status=live }}

class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
Name

!Type

!Image

!Weight

!Explosive weightPer [http://ordatamines.maic.jmu.edu/default.aspx Ordata] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100310224455/http://ordatamines.maic.jmu.edu/Default.aspx |date=10 March 2010 }}Per [http://defense-update.com/products/r/rpg-29.htm] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608055936/http://www.defense-update.com/products/r/rpg-29.htm|date=8 June 2011}} defense-update RPG-29 due to PG-29V and PG-7VR has same warhead

!Diameter

!Penetration

!Lethal radius

PG-7VL

| Single-stage HEAT

| File:RPG PG 7VL.png

| {{convert|2.6|kg|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|730|g|abbr=on}} OKFOL (95% HMX + 5% wax)

| {{convert|93|mm|abbr=on}}

| >{{convert|500|mm|abbr=on}} RHA

|

PG-7VR

| Tandem charge HEAT

| File:RPG PG 7R.png

| {{convert|4.5|kg|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|1.43|kg|abbr=on}} OKFOL (95% HMX + 5% wax)

| {{convert|64|mm|abbr=on}}/{{convert|105|mm|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|600|mm|abbr=on}} RHA (with reactive armor)

{{convert|900|mm|abbr=on}} RHA (without reactive armor “Domestic anti-tank grenade launcher systems”, A. Lovi. “Weapons and ammunition”, A.V. Babkin, V.A. Veldanov, E.F. Gryaznov and others.)

|

OG-7V

| Fragmentation

| File:RPG OG 7VL.png

| {{convert|2|kg|abbr=on|sigfig=1}}

| {{convert|210|g|abbr=on}} A-IX-1

| {{convert|40|mm|abbr=on}}

|

| {{convert|7|m|abbr=on}} (vs. body armor){{cite book |last1=Tilstra |first1=Russel C. |title=Small Arms for Urban Combat: A Review |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sjmNAgAAQBAJ&q=og7v+lethal+radius&pg=PA177 |date=10 January 2014 |publisher=McFarland |isbn=9780786488759 }}{{cite web |title=OG-7V Fragmentation round |url=http://roe.ru/eng/catalog/land-forces/strelkovoe-oruzhie/grenade-launchers/og-7v/ |website=Rosoboronexport }}

TBG-7V

| Thermobaric

| File:RPG TBG 7V.png

| {{convert|4.5|kg|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|1.9|kg|abbr=on}} ОМ 100МИ-3Л + {{convert|0.25|kg|abbr=on}} A-IX-1 (as thermobaric explosive booster)

| {{convert|105|mm|abbr=on}}

|

| {{convert|10|m|abbr=on|sigfig=1}}

Hit probabilities

A 1976 U.S. Army evaluation of the weapon gave the hit probabilities on a {{convert|5x2.5|m|adj=on}} panel moving sideways at {{convert|4|m/s|ft/s|abbr=on}}.{{cite book|title=TRADOC Bulletin 1, Range and Lethality of U.S. and Soviet Anti-Armour Weapons.|date=30 September 1975|publisher=United States Army Training And Doctrine Command|url=http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA392784|access-date=6 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714212438/http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA392784|archive-date=14 July 2014|url-status=dead}} Crosswinds cause additional issues as the round steers into the wind; in an {{convert|11|km/h|abbr=on}} wind, firing at a stationary tank sized target, the gunner cannot expect to get a first-round hit more than 50% of the time at {{convert|180|m|abbr=on}}.{{cite book|title=TRADOC Bulletin 3, Soviet RPG-7 Antitank Grenade Launcher.|date=November 1976|publisher=United States Army Training And Doctrine Command |url=https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a393159.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830112951/https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a393159.pdf|url-status=live|archive-date=30 August 2019}}

class="wikitable floatleft" style="text-align:right;"
Range
m (ft) || Percent
{{convert|50|m|ft|abbr=values}}100
{{convert|100|m|ft|abbr=values}}96
{{convert|200|m|ft|abbr=values}}51
{{convert|300|m|ft|abbr=values}}22
{{convert|400|m|ft|abbr=values}}9
{{convert|500|m|ft|abbr=values}}4

{{Graph:Chart

| width = 450

| height = 150

| type = line

| xAxisTitle = Range (m)

| yAxisTitle = % Hit Probability

| showSymbols = yes

| showValues = yes

| x = 50,100,200,300,400,500

| y = 100,96,51,22,9,4

}}

{{Clear}}

History of use

The RPG-7 was first used in 1967 by Egypt during the Six-Day War, and by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War, but it did not see widespread usage in Vietnam until the following year.{{Sfn|Rottman|2010|p=33}}

The RPG-7 was used by the Provisional Irish Republican Army in Northern Ireland from 1969 to 2005, most notably in Lurgan, County Armagh, where it was used against British Army observation posts and the towering military base at Kitchen Hill in the town.Oppenheimer, A. R. (2009). IRA. The Bombs and the Bullets: A history of deadly ingenuity. Dublin: Irish Academic Press, p. 227. {{ISBN|978-0-7165-2895-1}}, pp. 240–241. The IRA also used them in Catholic areas of West Belfast against British Army armoured personnel carriers (APCs) and Army forward operating bases (FOBs). Beechmount Avenue in Belfast became known as "RPG Avenue" after attacks on British troops.{{cite web |last=Harrison |first=David |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1551421/Fragile-calm-behind-Ulsters-peace-walls.html |title=Fragile calm behind Ulster's 'peace walls' |publisher=Telegraph.co.uk |date=13 May 2007 |access-date=20 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113030421/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1551421/Fragile-calm-behind-Ulsters-peace-walls.html |archive-date=13 November 2012 |url-status=live }}

In Mogadishu, Somalia, RPG-7s were used to down two U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopters in 1993.{{cite web |last=Speck |first=Shane |url=http://science.howstuffworks.com/rpg4.htm |title=How Rocket-Propelled Grenades Work |publisher=Science.howstuffworks.com |date=11 March 2004 |access-date=20 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301121237/http://science.howstuffworks.com/rpg4.htm |archive-date=1 March 2012 |url-status=live }}{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=T1ZKVo8bKkkC&q=black+hawk+down+%22rpg+7%22+modify&pg=PA82|title=Asymmetric Warfare: Threat and Response in the 21st Century|first=Rod|last=Thornton|date=12 February 2007|publisher=Polity|isbn=9780745633657|via=Google Books}}

During the first and second Chechen wars, the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria used RPG-7s which they had captured from Soviet bases and used them against Russian armored columns. During the first war, Russians may have lost 100 tanks and 250 armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs) in Grozny.{{sfn|Rottman|2010|p=64}} The Chechens were able to knock out T-72s with three or four RPG-7 hits. Against T-72s with explosive reactive armor, the Chechens fired an RPG in close range (within {{convert|50|m|abbr=on}}) to detonate the armor and then followed this with RPG hits on the now exposed point of the tank, also from close range.{{sfn|Rottman|2010|p=65}} The RPG-7 was also effective against AFVs, buildings and personnel.{{sfn|Rottman|2010|p=68}}

The PG-7VR has been used by Iraqi insurgents.[https://web.archive.org/web/20070104065240/http://www.strategypage.com/military_photos/solved.aspx Photo: Mystery Missile Solved] On 28 August 2003, it achieved a mobility kill against an American M1 Abrams hitting the left side hull next to the forward section of the engine compartment.Army Times: "'Something' Felled An Abrams Tank In Iraq - But What? Mystery Behind Aug. 28 Incident Puzzles Army Officials"

During the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), several M1A2 Abrams were temporarily disabled by RPG-7 hits.{{sfn|Rottman|2010|p=43}}

Users

File:RPG-7 Users.png

File:RPG soldier and squad.jpg.]]

File:Batalionul 191 infanterie 62.jpg

File:Flickr - Israel Defense Forces - Iranian RPG Found in Lebanon.jpg, by the IDF.]]

{{div col|colwidth=20em}}

  • {{flag|Afghanistan}}Jones, Richard D. Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010. Jane's Information Group; 35 edition (27 January 2009). {{ISBN|978-0-7106-2869-5}}.
  • {{flag|Albania}} Albania mainly owns the Type 69 rocket launcher, a Chinese copy of the RPG-7. They also have a locally manufactured variant called the "Tip-57." Both are inherited from the communist era and have been kept in storage. In 2022 the MoD published videos on their official YouTube channel where the ground forces were seen using them while training that same year.
  • {{flag|Algeria}}
  • {{flag|Angola}}
  • {{flag|Armenia}}
  • {{flag|Artsakh}}{{cite book|title='Tis Some Poor Fellow's Skull: Post-Soviet Warfare in the Southern Caucasus|publisher=iUniverse|first=Patrick Wilson|last=Gore|year=2008|url=https://archive.org/details/tissomepoorfello0000gore|url-access=registration|quote=RPG-7 karabagh.|page=[https://archive.org/details/tissomepoorfello0000gore/page/60 60]|isbn=9780595486793 |access-date=28 August 2018}}
  • {{flag|Azerbaijan}}
  • {{BAN}}: Chinese Type 69 RPG variant used by Bangladesh Army.{{cite book|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2011.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711032608/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2011.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 July 2011|chapter-url= http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2011/en/Small-Arms-Survey-2011-Chapter-01-EN.pdf|chapter=Larger but Less Known: Authorized Light Weapons Transfers|title=Small Arms Survey 2011: States of Security |publisher=Oxford University Press|year=2011|author=Small Arms Survey|author-link=Small Arms Survey|page=29}}
  • {{flag|Belarus}}
  • {{flag|Benin}}
  • {{flag|Botswana}}
  • {{flag|Bulgaria}}: Produced locally by Arsenal Corporation as ATGL-L.{{Cite web|url=https://www.arsenal-bg.com/c/recoilless-systems-29/40-mm-atgl-l-family-23|title=40 mm ATGL-L Family - Arsenal JSCo. - Bulgarian manufacturer of weapons and ammunition since 1878|website=www.arsenal-bg.com}}[http://www.arsenal-bg.com/defense_police/ATGL-L.htm ATGL-L anti-tank grenade launcher] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100821051000/http://www.arsenal-bg.com/defense_police/ATGL-L.htm |date=21 August 2010 }}, arsenal.bg
  • {{flag|Burkina Faso}}{{cite web|title=Burkina Faso: Un véhicule emporté lors d'un braquage à Ouahigouya|url=http://koaci.com/burkina-faso-vehicule-emporte-lors-braquage-ouahigouya-102829.html|website=koaci.com|date=13 October 2016|language=fr|access-date=28 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829072132/http://koaci.com/burkina-faso-vehicule-emporte-lors-braquage-ouahigouya-102829.html|archive-date=29 August 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite journal|journal=Revista Defensa |issue=495–496|date=July 2019|first=Erwan de |last=Cherisey|title=El batallón de infantería "Badenya" de Burkina Faso en Mali – Noticias Defensa En abierto|url=https://www.defensa.com/en-abierto/batallon-infanteria-badenya-burkina-faso-mali|language=es}}
  • {{flag|Cambodia}}
  • {{flag|Cape Verde}}
  • {{flag|Central African Republic}}
  • {{flag|Chad}}
  • {{flag|China}}: Type 69 reverse-engineered copy.{{sfn|Rottman|2010|p=36}}
  • {{flag|Congo-Brazzaville}}
  • {{flag|Congo-Kinshasa}}
  • {{flag|Croatia}}
  • {{flag|Cuba}}
  • {{flag|Cyprus}}
  • {{flag|Czech Republic}}
  • {{flag|Djibouti}}
  • {{flag|Egypt}}: Locally produced without license as PG-7 by the Sakr Factory for Developed Industries.{{sfn|Rottman|2010|p=37}}
  • {{flag|Ethiopia}}
  • {{flag|Eritrea}}
  • {{flag|Estonia}}
  • {{flag|Fiji}}{{cite web |url=http://www.altair.com.pl/news/view?news_id=18730 |title=Rosyjska broń dla Fidżi |publisher=altair.pl |language=pl |access-date=21 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304183249/http://www.altair.com.pl/news/view?news_id=18730 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=live }}
  • {{flag|Georgia}}: Modified version "RPG-7D" locally produced by STC Delta.{{cite web |url=http://delta.gov.ge/en/product/hand-anti-tank-grenade-launcher-rpg-7g/ |title=Anti-tank rocket-propelled grenade launcher RPG-7G |access-date=9 April 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141222140020/http://delta.gov.ge/en/product/hand-anti-tank-grenade-launcher-rpg-7g/ |archive-date=22 December 2014 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.geo-army.ge/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=331%3A2012-04-11-16-56-51&catid=27%3Anews&lang=ka|title=ქართული წარმოების სამხედრო აღჭურვილობა|publisher=geo-army.ge|access-date=20 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201164148/http://www.geo-army.ge/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=331%3A2012-04-11-16-56-51&catid=27%3Anews&lang=ka|archive-date=1 February 2014|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://tbilaviamsheni.ge/gallery/rpg%20stc%20delta.pdf |title=RPGL-7D : Versatile, Cost Effective, Lethal. |access-date=17 September 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026105230/http://tbilaviamsheni.ge/gallery/rpg%20stc%20delta.pdf |archive-date=26 October 2014 }}
  • {{flag|Ghana}}
  • {{flag|Guinea}}
  • {{flag|Guyana}}
  • {{flag|Honduras}}{{cite web|url=https://www.elheraldo.hn/honduras/llamaran-a-testificar-a-cuatro-oficiales-por-robo-de-22-rpg-7-en-IOEH569256|title=Llamarán a testificar a cuatro oficiales por robo de 22 RPG-7 en Honduras|publisher=elheraldo.hn|access-date=17 September 2024}}
  • {{flag|Hungary}}{{cite book |last1=Lugosi |first1=József |editor1-first=József |editor1-last=Lugosi |editor2-first=György |editor2-last=Markó |title=Hazánk dicsőségére: 160 éves a Magyar Honvédség |year=2008 |publisher=Zrínyi Kiadó|location=Budapest |isbn=978-963-327-461-3 |page=389 |chapter=Gyalogsági fegyverek 1868–2008}}
  • {{flag|Iran}} Produced locally as Sageg.{{sfn|Rottman|2010|p=38}}
  • {{flag|Iraq}} Produced locally as Al-Nassira from the 1980s by Ba'athist Iraq.{{sfn|Rottman|2010|p=38}}
  • {{flag|Israel}}: Large stocks held as secondary ATW.{{sfn|Rottman|2010|p=33}} Rounds produced locally.Katz, Samuel (1986) Israeli Defence Forces Since 1973. Osprey {{ISBN|0-85045-687-8}}
  • {{flag|Jordan}}
  • {{KUR}}{{cite web |author=Military & Defense |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/peshmerga-military-equipment-2014-6?op=1&IR=T |title=Peshmerga Military Equipment |publisher=Business Insider |access-date=2017-02-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806023747/http://www.businessinsider.com/peshmerga-military-equipment-2014-6?op=1&IR=T |archive-date=2017-08-06 |url-status=live }}
  • {{flag|Kazakhstan}}
  • {{flag|Kyrgyzstan}}
  • {{flag|Laos}}
  • {{flag|Latvia}}
  • {{flag|Lebanon}}
  • {{flag|Lesotho}}{{cite book|title=Beyond Blue Helmets: Promoting Weapons and Ammunition Management in Non-UN Peace Operations|first=Eric G. |last=Berman|publisher=Small Arms Survey/MPOME |date=March 2019|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/U-Reports/SAS-MPOME-Report-WAM-Non-UN-Peace-Ops.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603103636/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/U-Reports/SAS-MPOME-Report-WAM-Non-UN-Peace-Ops.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 June 2019|page=43}}
  • {{flag|Liberia}}: Used by both the Liberian Army and guerrilla factions in the Liberian Civil War.{{sfn|Rottman|2010|p=43}}
  • {{flag|Libya}} (used by both sides in the Libyan Civil War)
  • {{flag|Madagascar}}
  • {{flag|Malaysia}}: Bulgarian ATGL-L versions are purchased and used since the early 2000s{{cite web|url=http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/nstweb/fullstory/15952|title=Unit khas polis ESSZONE akan terima RPG baru|author=Nazrini Badarun|language=ms|publisher=New Sabah Times|date=24 May 2017|access-date=6 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170605210325/http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/nstweb/fullstory/15952|archive-date=5 June 2017|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=http://dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=117879|title=Rocket-propelled grenade boost for security|newspaper=Daily Express|date=24 May 2017|access-date=6 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170605211021/http://dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=117879|archive-date=5 June 2017|url-status=dead}}
  • {{flag|Mali}}{{cite news|title=Armée malienne : le difficile inventaire|url=http://www.jeuneafrique.com/170176/politique/arm-e-malienne-le-difficile-inventaire/|newspaper=Jeune Afrique|first=Laurent|last=Touchard|date=18 June 2013|access-date=28 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829072200/http://www.jeuneafrique.com/170176/politique/arm-e-malienne-le-difficile-inventaire/|archive-date=29 August 2018|url-status=live}}
  • {{flag|Malta}}
  • {{flag|Mauritania}}
  • {{flag|Moldova}}:
  • {{flag|Transnistria}}
  • {{flag|Mongolia}}
  • {{flag|Morocco}}
  • {{flag|Mozambique}}: Non state-users.{{cite journal|title=Disarmament in Mozambique|last=Vines|first=Alex|journal=Journal of Southern African Studies|volume=24|issue=1|date=March 1998|jstor=2637453|pages=191–205|doi=10.1080/03057079808708572}}
  • {{flag|Myanmar}}: MA-10 RPG made by Myanmar Directorate of Defence Industries.{{Cite web | title=Myanmar Witness - Centre for Information Resilience | url=https://www.myanmarwitness.org/_files/ugd/06ca64_9dbcff31640547f3bd747fe8c86e6c6c.pdf | access-date=2025-02-12 | website=www.myanmarwitness.org}}
  • {{flag|Nicaragua}}
  • {{flag|Nigeria}}: Produced under license by the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria{{cite web |last=Okoroafor |first=Cynthia |url=http://venturesafrica.com/you-probably-didnt-know-that-nigeria-already-manufactures-these-weapons/ |title=You probably didn't know that Nigeria already manufactures these weapons |publisher=Ventures |date=27 August 2015 |access-date=24 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202002910/http://venturesafrica.com/you-probably-didnt-know-that-nigeria-already-manufactures-these-weapons/ |archive-date=2 February 2017 |url-status=live }}
  • {{flag|Niger}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bmvg.de/de/mediathek/bundeswehr-in-niger--unterwegs-mit-einer-patrouille-16480|title=Bundeswehr in Niger: Unterwegs mit einer Patrouille|website=www.bmvg.de|access-date=8 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808194552/https://www.bmvg.de/de/mediathek/bundeswehr-in-niger--unterwegs-mit-einer-patrouille-16480|archive-date=8 August 2017|url-status=live}}
  • {{flag|North Korea}}
  • {{MKD}}
  • {{flag|Pakistan}}: Used by the Pakistan Army and paramilitary forces. RPG-7V version made under license by Pakistan Machine Tool Factory.{{cite journal|url=http://www.sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=2794|title=IDEAS 2012|volume=6|issue=3|date=5 December 2014|journal=Small Arms Defense Journal|access-date=10 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170602155345/http://www.sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=2794|archive-date=2 June 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite journal|url=http://www.sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=4096|title=IDEAS 2016—Pakistan|volume=9|issue=4|date=13 October 2017|journal=Small Arms Defense Journal|access-date=22 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023011209/http://www.sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=4096|archive-date=23 October 2017|url-status=live}}
  • {{flag|Papua New Guinea}}{{cite book|last=Alpers|first=Philip|editor1-last=Karp|editor1-first=Aaron|title=The Politics of Destroying Surplus Small Arms: Inconspicuous Disarmament|date=2010|pages=168–169|publisher=Routledge Books|location=Abingdon-on-Thames|isbn=978-0-415-49461-8}}
  • {{flag|Philippines}}: The army has three different variants: 250 ATGL-L2 from Bulgaria, 30 Type 69 from China, and 744 RPG-7V2 from Russia.{{cite web|url=https://www.asiapacificdefensejournal.com/2019/01/philippines-starts-transition-to-rpg-7.html|title=Philippines starts transition to RPG-7 infantry rocket launchers |website=Asia Pacific Defense Journal |date=January 31, 2019 |access-date=January 31, 2020}}
  • {{flag|Poland}}: Produced RPG-7 and RPG-7W variants.{{sfn|Rottman|2010|p=39}}
  • {{flag|Romania}}: Produced locally by SC Carfil SA from Brașov as AG-7 (Romanian: Aruncătorul de Grenade 7, Grenade Launcher 7).{{Cite web|url=http://www.carfil.ro/html/armament_.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070827142902/http://www.carfil.ro/html/armament_.html|url-status=dead|title=Carfil website|archive-date=27 August 2007}}
  • {{flag|Russia}}
  • {{flag|Rwanda}}
  • {{flag|Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic}}: Used by the Polisario Front.{{cite book|language = es|author1 = Ignacio Fuente Cobo|author2 = Fernando M. Mariño Menéndez|title = El conflicto del Sahara occidental|url = https://e-archivo.uc3m.es/bitstream/handle/10016/17377/04_conflictos_saharaoccidental_2006.pdf|isbn = 84-9781-253-0|publisher= Ministerio de Defensa de España & Universidad Carlos III de Madrid|year= 2006|page = 78}}
  • {{flag|Sao Tome and Principe}}
  • {{flag|Senegal}}
  • {{flag|Serbia}}: Made by PPT Namenska.{{cite web |url=http://www.ppt-namenska.rs/en/rbr7.html |title=Rbr7 - PPT NAMENSKA |website=www.ppt-namenska.rs |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181101183111/http://www.ppt-namenska.rs/en/rbr7.html |archive-date=1 November 2018 |url-status=dead}}
  • {{flag|Seychelles}}
  • {{flag|Sierra Leone}}
  • {{flag|Somalia}}
  • {{flag|South Africa}}: South African National Defence Force.{{cite web|url=http://www.army.mil.za/equipment/weaponsystems/infantry/RPG7ATRL_106mm%C2%AD_Recoilless_Rifle_Syst.htm|title=Anti Tank weapons|publisher=South African Army|access-date=20 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130705164326/http://www.army.mil.za/equipment/weaponsystems/infantry/RPG7ATRL_106mm%C2%AD_Recoilless_Rifle_Syst.htm|archive-date=5 July 2013|url-status=live}}
  • {{flag|South Sudan}}: South Sudan Democratic Movement, Sudan Liberation Movement/Army, South Sudan Defence Forces, Sudan People's Liberation Army used RPG-7, Type 69s and Iranian-made RPGs.{{cite book|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2014/en/Small-Arms-Survey-2014-Highlights-EN.pdf|chapter-url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2014/en/Small-Arms-Survey-2014-Chapter-7-EN.pdf|chapter=Weapons tracing in Sudan and South Sudan|title=Small Arms Survey 2014: Women and guns|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=2014|author=Small Arms Survey|author-link=Small Arms Survey|pages=227, 229, 234|access-date=28 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161014061449/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2014/en/Small-Arms-Survey-2014-Highlights-EN.pdf|archive-date=14 October 2016|url-status=dead}}
  • {{flag|Sri Lanka}}
  • {{flag|Sudan}}: Made by Military Industry Corporation as the Sinar.[http://mic.sd/images/products/wepons/en/SINARgzf.html Sinar Light Antitank Rocket Launcher] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090401152410/http://mic.sd/images/products/wepons/en/SINARgzf.html |date=1 April 2009 }} Retrieved on 17 March 2009.
  • {{flag|Suriname}}: Used by the Military of Suriname.
  • {{flagicon|Syrian opposition}} Syria
  • {{flag|Tajikistan}}:
  • {{flag|Togo}}
  • {{flag|Turkmenistan}}:
  • {{flag|Ukraine}}:
  • {{flag|Uzbekistan}}: Produced locally.
  • {{flag|Venezuela}}
  • {{flag|Vietnam}}: Locally produced and designated as RPG7V-VN. Also popularly recognized under the designation B-41.{{sfn|Rottman|2010|p=19}}
  • {{flag|Yemen}}
  • {{flag|Zambia}}
  • {{flag|Zimbabwe}}

{{div col end}}

= Non-state users =

  • {{flag|ISIL}}{{cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/russian-made-rocket-propelled-grenade-is-still-dangerous-effective-2022-1|title=After decades in combat, Russia's RPG is as dangerous and popular as ever|publisher=Insider|access-date=11 April 2022}}
  • {{flag|Taliban}}{{cite web|url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/reboot/still-killer-why-russias-old-rpg-7-rocket-launcher-lives-183037|title=Still a Killer: Why Russia's Old RPG-7 Rocket Launcher Lives On|date=17 April 2021 |publisher=The National Interest|access-date=3 April 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220103084733/https://nationalinterest.org/blog/reboot/still-killer-why-russias-old-rpg-7-rocket-launcher-lives-183037|archive-date=3 January 2022|url-status=live}}
  • {{flag|Hezbollah}}
  • {{flag|Syrian opposition}}
  • {{flag|Houthi movement}}{{cite web|url=https://www.unitedagainstnucleariran.com/report/houthis|title=Houthis|publisher=United Against Nuclear Iran|access-date=3 April 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220404013930/https://www.unitedagainstnucleariran.com/report/houthis|archive-date=4 April 2022|url-status=live}}
  • 20px Provisional Irish Republican Army{{cite news|url=https://www.irishcentral.com/news/gaddafi-ira-support-irish-state-papers|title=Libyan leader Gaddafi's IRA support revealed in secret Irish State Papers|author=Paddy Clancy|date=31 December 2021|publisher=Irish Central}}
  • 23px Ulster Volunteer Force{{cite news|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/news-analysis/for-some-the-rpg-7-was-once-icon-of-armed-struggle-now-its-a-symbol-of-its-futility-35277053.html|title=For some, the RPG-7 was once icon of 'armed struggle' - now it's a symbol of its futility|newspaper=Belfasttelegraph |publisher=Belfast Telegraph|access-date=11 April 2022}}
  • New Irish Republican Army
  • {{flagicon|Hamas}} Qassam Brigades
  • {{flagicon|PIJ}} Al-Quds Brigades

= Former users =

  • {{flag|Lithuania}}

Conflicts

= 1960s =

= 1970s =

= 1980s =

= 1990s =

= 2000s =

= 2010s =

= 2020s =

See also

  • {{lwc|RPG-2}}
  • {{lwc|Panzerfaust}}
  • {{lwc|PzF 44|Panzerfaust 2}}
  • {{lwc|Panzerfaust 3}}
  • {{lwc|PSRL-1}}

Notes

{{notelist}}

References

{{Reflist|30em}}

= Bibliography =

  • {{cite book|title=The Rocket Propelled Grenade|series=Weapon 2|first=Gordon L.|last=Rottman|year=2010|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NDa1CwAAQBAJ|isbn=978-1-84908-153-5|publisher=Osprey Publishing}}